Speaking to Newry Times, Dr McBride said, “At times like these it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour but given the huge impact that this virus has had on the physical and emotional wellbeing of the local population it is more important than ever that you look after yourself.

“Physical health has a significant impact on how we are feeling emotionally and mentally so a good starting point is taking regular exercise.

“The evidence suggests that regular physical activity not only helps maintain good mental and physical health, supports weight management but it also enhances immune response.”

The Chief Medical Officer continued, “With social distancing now a normal part of daily life, it has been a welcome sight to see people outdoors in our local parks and green spaces exercising, while still following the guidelines.

“And we need to keep this up, if you’re out for a walk or a jog with people from outside your household, remember to look after yourself and each other by staying 2 metres apart.”

Addressing those who have been shielding, Dr McBride said, “From Monday 8 June, provided the rate of Covid-19 infection allows, those of you who have been shielding will be able to spend time outside with people from your own household or a person from another household whilst ensuring social distancing is observed.

“It’s understandable that if you have been shielding for the past number of months that you may now feel anxious or unsure about going outdoors but even a short 10-minute walk close to your home will be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.

“There are approximately 80,000 people in Northern Ireland who have been shielding on advice from their GPs.

“The Department has therefore asked the Patient Client Council to engage with those people to understand the impact this had had.

“This will help inform us on the steps we need to take going forward.

“And for those of you in our community who are recovering from feeling unwell with potential COVID-19, avoid strenuous activity as you recover.

“Start slowly and build up activity.”

The Chief Medical Officer added, “As more elements of life return to normality, it’s important to keep physical activity levels up.”

Speaking to Newry Times, Minister Swann explained, “As a first step, we are proposing that the definition of key worker is extended to bring it into line with the definition used for schools.

“This will enable a greater number of keyworkers who are parents to access childcare if they need it to be able to go to work.

“The initiative has been developed in line with medical and scientific advice and with input from across stakeholders from elected representatives, parents and childcare providers in respect of the importance of establishing a recovery plan for the childcare sector,” he added.

Education Minister Peter Weir said, “From Monday 8 June, we will be extending access to childcare provision to all of the keyworkers who are currently able to access school places.

“This is in line with the Executive’s Coronavirus Recovery Plan to enable as many people as possible to get back to work.

“This follows the Executive’s £12million allocation to support the childcare sector as part of the implementation of the COVID-19 Childcare Sector Support Scheme.

“As demand for childcare grows, we are determined to ensure that measures are in place to support all our people who are working tirelessly at the frontline of this current crisis.

He added, “Today’s announcement will enable a greater number of keyworkers who are parents to access childcare if they need it to be able to go to work.”

]]>https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-ministers-announce-extension-of-key-workers-definition-to-access-childcare/feed/0Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Advisory and Oversight Group to examine how to resume on-site vocational learninghttps://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-advisory-and-oversight-group-to-examine-how-to-resume-on-site-vocational-learning/
https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-advisory-and-oversight-group-to-examine-how-to-resume-on-site-vocational-learning/#respondFri, 05 Jun 2020 11:35:15 +0000http://newrytimes.com/?p=71481Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced the establishment of an Advisory and Oversight Group to help prepare for the safe resumption of onsite delivery of vocational learning.

The expert group, which will advise further education colleges and non-statutory contractors, will consider new delivery models for vocational education to overcome the challenges posed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Newry Times, the Minister said, “The scale of the changes introduced across the further education and non-statutory contractor sectors since the cessation of onsite delivery in March due to Covid-19 is without precedent.

“I congratulate the sectors in how they have adapted their provision, where possible, to continue to deliver a wide and varied programme of virtual learning and support to learners at this time.

“Looking ahead, it is important that the colleges and training organisations examine carefully how they can deliver for learners in a way that is safe for students and staff.

“The Advisory and Oversight Group that I have established will work collaboratively with the sectors to take forward preparations for the safe resumption of onsite educational provision at all campuses and training centres.”

The group will include representatives from the Department for the Economy, and the further education and non-statutory contractor sectors, and will carry out consultation with stakeholders with a view to formulating plans for the safe resumption of onsite learning.

The group will hold its first meeting on Tuesday 9 June.

The Minister added, “Protecting staff and student health and well-being will remain a priority throughout the planning process and into the future as we look to bring learners back onto campuses and into private training premises.”

]]>https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-advisory-and-oversight-group-to-examine-how-to-resume-on-site-vocational-learning/feed/0Coronavirus Northern Ireland: PHA says “no room for complacency with coronavirus”https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-pha-says-no-room-for-complacency-with-coronavirus/
https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-pha-says-no-room-for-complacency-with-coronavirus/#respondFri, 05 Jun 2020 10:00:06 +0000http://newrytimes.com/?p=71407The Public Health Agency (PHA) has warned that complacency around coronavirus could lead to further spread of the disease, and ultimately result in deaths.

Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, told Newry Times, “Thanks to people following advice, we have managed to reduce the levels of coronavirus in our community.

“However, we cannot let this create a false sense of security and let our guard drop, as this could undermine and reverse everyone’s hard work to date.

“COVID-19 can be a fatal disease, and sadly, in Northern Ireland over 500 people have lost their lives. We must not forget this,” he warned.

“As we move forward, it is important to remember the general guidance that has existed since the virus emerged here – maintain social distancing, keep surfaces clean, self-isolate when required, wash your hands regularly, and catch it, bin it, kill it.

“These may seem simple, but they are effective in reducing the spread.

“We also should think about those in our society who are more vulnerable, such as older people or those with underlying conditions.

“Unsafe behaviour in areas where these people go for exercise or spend time could not only put them at risk but will also cause unnecessary stress.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have all been in this together.

“We need to maintain this spirit, as going solo and undertaking unsafe behaviour will put not only those in our immediate company at risk, but it could also lead to further spread of the virus, which would have an impact on others we know and love.

Dr Waldron added, “I am urging people to think twice before they do anything that could put them or others at risk.”

]]>https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-pha-says-no-room-for-complacency-with-coronavirus/feed/0Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Minister reviews pause on routine inspectionshttps://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-minister-reviews-pause-on-routine-inspections/
https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-minister-reviews-pause-on-routine-inspections/#respondFri, 05 Jun 2020 09:05:14 +0000http://newrytimes.com/?p=71385DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has outlined the next steps for his Department’s routine inspection programme and decided that a number of inspections will restart over the coming days and weeks.

The Minister also confirmed that while some routine inspections will recommence almost immediately, the pause on others will continue in the interests of public health.

The news comes as the Executive moves towards relaxing some of the Covid-19 restrictions and moving Northern Ireland towards recovery.

]]>https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-minister-reviews-pause-on-routine-inspections/feed/0Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Help available to deal with financial worries, says The Consumer Councilhttps://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-help-available-to-deal-with-financial-worries-says-the-consumer-council/
https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-help-available-to-deal-with-financial-worries-says-the-consumer-council/#respondFri, 05 Jun 2020 08:00:25 +0000http://newrytimes.com/?p=71228The Consumer Council is looking to provide practical help to households that are struggling financially during this COVID-19 crisis.

This help follows on from The Consumer Council’s “True Cost” campaign, which provided free online support on:

Sources of free, independent and confidential debt advice;

Alternative credit providers, including Credit Unions, Scotcash and FairForYou; and

Advice on being proactive and seeking advice early before debt becomes an issue.

Scott Kennerley, Director of Financial Services at The Consumer Council, told Newry Times, “We launched our True Cost campaign, just prior to the COVID-19 crisis, to help raise awareness of the practical help that is available for households struggling with their finances.

“In the first two weeks of the campaign, we reached nearly 110,000 consumers online, distributed over 58,000 informational leaflets to households and received support on social media from Football Clubs including Cliftonville, Coleraine, Derry City, Glentoran and Linfield.

“We worked with the Credit Unions and organisations, such as Scotcash and FairForYou, to provide access to alternative forms of credit, which could help save consumers up to £338 on a loan of £5001.”

Scott added, “As the COVID-19 crisis has had such a negative impact on many people’s finances, we are continuing to highlight the practical support and help that is still available through our True Cost webpage: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/truecost.”

The package aims to help aquaculture businesses that have experienced a significant drop in sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aquaculture sector is a small but valuable niche market in Northern Ireland.

It employs around 131 people and supports rural communities.

The scheme aims to assist producers of species like oysters and trout.

Announcing the emergency support package during a visit to Movanagher Fish Farm in Ballymoney, Minister Poots said, “Northern Ireland’s fishing industry has faced extreme difficulties as a result of COVID-19 and is in urgent need of our support.

“I have already announced a £1.5 million support package to help the fishing fleet and today I am announcing a further support package of £360,000 targeted towards the aquaculture sector.

“The aim of the emergency package is to help this sector to continue its work in growing, harvesting, shipping and delivering to customers all over the world and help the sector to be sustainable and profitable in the long term.”

The support fund of up to £360,000 will be in the form of a grant payment, covering the three month period 1 March to 31 May 2020 and will be based on the income lost from sales of aquaculture products due to COVID-19.

Average monthly sales over the past three years for each business will be used as the baseline.

The Minister added, “This funding will help those businesses most at risk of financial ruin to survive this difficult period.

“My Department will inform business owners about the full details of the scheme and how to apply in due course.”

]]>https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/05/coronavirus-northern-ireland-poots-announces-360000-support-for-aquaculture-sector/feed/0Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Next phase of Covid-19 public information campaign launchedhttps://newrytimes.com/2020/06/04/coronavirus-northern-ireland-next-phase-of-covid-19-public-information-campaign-launched/
https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/04/coronavirus-northern-ireland-next-phase-of-covid-19-public-information-campaign-launched/#respondThu, 04 Jun 2020 14:40:35 +0000http://newrytimes.com/?p=71465The next phase of the Executive’s Covid-19 public information campaign has been launched today.

Print, broadcasting, outdoor and digital media channels are being deployed in the campaign that urges citizens to follow the advice to ‘Stay Safe; Save Lives’ and ‘Work Safe; Save Lives’.

Messaging will encourage the public to: stay at home as much as possible to stop the spread of the virus; limit contact with others; keep your distance if going out; wash your hands well and often; work from home where possible.

Part of the campaign will focus on the Test, Trace and Protect policy and telling the public not to leave home if anyone in the household has Covid-19 symptoms.

Speaking to Newry Times, First Minister Arlene Foster said, “The Executive has now started on the tentative journey out of lockdown towards recovery and our public information campaign needs to reflect that changing reality.

“We need to keep people safe by reminding them that Covid-19 is still in the community and that their actions – of keeping their distance, of good hand hygiene – will save many lives.

“At the same time, we recognise that the fight against the virus has entered into a different phase, and with more relaxations come greater freedom.

“We are encouraging the public to continue to act responsibly, to stay safe and save lives,” she added.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said, “The Executive’s priority in our response to, and recovery from, the Covid-19 emergency is saving lives while protecting livelihoods and looking after the wider health and wellbeing of our people.

“We are moving in a positive direction as we cautiously make our way through our five-step pathway to recovery.

“The public has been brilliant in following public health advice and their actions have saved many lives.

“We’re asking that you continue to follow the advice, to do the right thing to protect yourself, your family, the health service and all those who are working to keep us safe.

“So we’re saying that as we make further relaxations to the restrictions, stay at home as much as possible, adhere to the social distancing and good hand hygiene and work from home if you can.

She added, “By following this advice we can all stay safe and save lives.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said, “With the battle against the virus in a new phase, it’s not just a matter of urging people to stay at home anymore.

“Staying at home is still part of what is needed.

“It is absolutely essential for anyone who has Covid-19 to stay at home.

“People should also continue to work from home if possible.

“Restrictions also remain on contacts with people outside of your household.

“The Executive has made a number of minor changes to the Regulations and further changes will only be possible if we can keep the virus under control.

He added, “To do that, we need people to make the right choices in the weeks and months ahead.”

]]>https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/04/coronavirus-northern-ireland-next-phase-of-covid-19-public-information-campaign-launched/feed/0Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Newry parents and carers to receive letters about post-primary transfer processhttps://newrytimes.com/2020/06/04/coronavirus-northern-ireland-newry-parents-and-carers-to-receive-letters-about-post-primary-transfer-process/
https://newrytimes.com/2020/06/04/coronavirus-northern-ireland-newry-parents-and-carers-to-receive-letters-about-post-primary-transfer-process/#respondThu, 04 Jun 2020 14:02:33 +0000http://newrytimes.com/?p=71441Parents and carers will receive letters today informing them of the post-primary school in which their child has been placed.

“As a result, almost 1,000 additional Year 8 places have been created, resulting in the highest proportion of children placed at this stage of the process in three years, despite rising demographic pressures.

“Over 99% of pupils have been placed already, with almost 88% placed at their first preference school.

“I want to reassure parents and carers of children who have not been successful in securing a school place during the process that available places remain in schools across Northern Ireland.

“Advice on how to access the list of schools with available places and contact details for the Education Authority helpline are available in the letter they received today.

“I would encourage parents in this position to apply to schools with places remaining in the coming days, when the choice of schools with available places will be greatest,” he added.

As children who are unplaced apply for schools in the coming days, requests for further increased admissions at schools will be considered by the Department.